THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON CROP PRODUCTION IN GEDEB HASASA WOREDA, WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGION; ETHIOPIA.

ABSTRACT Climate variability and change are global phenomena, which have become a big challenge to humankind. Climate change in the form of higher temperature, reduced rainfall and increased rainfall variability reduces crop yield and threatens food security in low-income and agriculture based economies. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate variability on Wheat productivity in the study area. To achieve this objective set, appropriate data was collected from three sample kebeles which were selected through purposive sampling method based on their agro-ecologic conditions. And 286 household heads were selected from the three sample kebeles. In addition, three FGD each composed of 6 individuals from different socio economic status and age groups were selected and used as primary sources of information. Key informant interview was conducted with experts from Gedeb Hasasa Agricultural Development organization and DAs. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently. Long term rainfall and temperature data and Wheat production for 30 years (1991 –2021) were used for analysis. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to select appropriate key informants, discussants and sample households. Based on the relevant gathered information, the status of Wheat productivity is assessed by climate parameters indicators. The result of the study shows that the Rainfall of the Woreda Decreases and temperature of the woreda has increased by 0.040c. This would result to decrease of wheat productivity. The current study also found significant variation in the amount of rainfall and temperature. Majority of the coping mechanisms used by the farmers are traditional and destructive. For the future there will be appreciable increase in temperature and increasing wheat yield fluctuation due to temperature and rainfall instability.